Dennis Tito, the man who in 2001 became the first space tourist by shelling out a reported US$20 million to hitch a ride on the Russian Soyuz TM-32 spacecraft to the International Space Station, has now announced plans for a manned mission to Mars – and back. Tito won’t be going himself, but has established Inspiration Mars, a new nonprofit foundation that will oversee the mission in the hope of spurring “growth, national prosperity, knowledge and global leadership” through space exploration...
Continue Reading Pioneering space tourist announces plans for first manned mission to Mars

USAF Retires "First Operational" KC-135R....Again: The U.S. Air Forceannounced on Feb. 22 that it had retired the "first operational KC-135R" from service, when tail number 61-0312 arrived at Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ. However, Aviation Week Intelligence Network's Fleet database records KC-135R tail number 60-0319 arriving for storage on Jun. 20, 2012. It's unclear therefore why the folks at Altus proclaimed this month's arrival as the "first".In the 1980s and 1990s the USAF re-engined over 400 tankers with more powerful and efficient CFM-56 engines, designated KC-135R or KC-135T. These are now the only KC-135s in the fleet and are expected to soldier on for many years yet.

After more than 50 years of service and 22,500 flying hours, the first operational KC-135R Stratotanker retired from service, Feb. 21, 2013. The aircraft made one last high-speed pass on the runway before heading to the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group, Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ, better known as the "Bonyard," where Air Force aircraft go to provide parts to satisfy critical supply needs without any major holds.

Russian Helicopters, part of state defence holding Oboronprom – the part of Russian Technologies (Rostec) State Corporation and a leading global designer and manufacturer of helicopters, will bring its Australian calling card – the medium multi-role Ka-32A11BC – to Avalon 2013, the international aviation exhibition taking place from 26 February to 3 March in Geelong. The Russian Helicopters display can be found at stand 2F4.

The Pentagon’s director of the F-35 program said Monday the next-generation US fighter jet could be back in the air within a fortnight after an engine crack forced the grounding of test flights.

If the crack’s cause was as straightforward as a foreign object striking the turbine, or a basic manufacturing defect, “I could foresee the airplane back in the air in the next week or two”, Bogdan told reporters in Melbourne.

Air France-KLM’s cargo division is facing a “drastic and substantial re-organization” after posting a €222 million ($291 million) full-year operating loss, compared to a €60 million loss in 2011.

“This result cannot be satisfactory. It requires drastic and substantial reorganization steps,” Air France-KLM chairman and CEO Jean-Cyril Spinetta said at the release of the group’s2012 financial results. Spinetta detailed plans to slash the division’s losses by €140 million, although he added: “This is not an Air France-KLM crisis. This is a crisis for all cargo leaders around the globe.”

Alitalia reported a 2012 net loss of €280 million ($370 million), worsened from a loss of €69 million in 2011.

As the results were announced, CEO Andrea Ragnetti submitted his resignation. According to a company statement, Alitalia and Ragnetti “have mutually agreed to terminate their relationship. Mr. Ragnetti resigned from the board and as chief executive officer of Alitalia and Air One as well as managing director of Alitalia,” it said. Ragnetti was named CEO last March.

The Australian Department of Defence has declared Initial Operational Capability (IOC) of the Airbus Military KC-30A - its designation for the A330 MRTT.

The announcement was made on the opening day of the Australian International Airshow, Avalon, by Minister for Defence Stephen Smith (pictured above) and Minister for Defence Materiel Mike Kelly.

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) accepted the fifth and final MRTT from Airbus Military on 30 November last year. The aircraft was delivered to RAAF Base Amberley in early December 2012. As well, the RAAF completed the first Australian pilot and Air Refuelling Operator courses at the MRTT training centre (RAAF Base Amberley) in December 2012.

Airbus Military Vice President Derivative Programmes, Antonio Caramazana said: “We very much welcome the announcement of the Initial Operating Capability of the KC-30A. This reinforces the fact that the A330 MRTT is the world´s only certified and flying new generation tanker/transport and the RAAF is to be commended for its dedication and commitment to bringing the aircraft to operational status.”

In RAAF service the A330 MRTT is equipped with two underwing refuelling pods, the fly-by-wire Airbus Military Aerial Refuelling Boom System (ARBS), and a Universal Aerial Refuelling Receptacle Slipway Installation (UARRSI) enabling it to be refuelled from another tanker. Powered by two General Electric CF6-80E engines, the aircraft equipped with a comprehensive defensive aids suite (DAS) and fitted with 270 passenger seats.
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ST. LOUIS, Feb. 26, 2013 -- Four operational flight trainers built by Boeing [NYSE: BA] are up and running at Naval Air Station Pensacola (Fla.), allowing the U.S. Navy to shift some training for its T-45 aircraft to the ground and thereby improve safety and save money.

The flight simulators use high-fidelity, state-of-the-art visuals to train naval flight officers (NFO) on the ground, saving time and freeing up the aircraft for live flight instruction. NFOs specialize in airborne weapons and sensor systems operating from the back seat of the aircraft.

The devices are used by the Navy to provide advanced instruction for transition to F/A-18, EA-18G and EA-6B platforms. Students are trained in navigation, communication, emergencies, target identification and weapons employment, and basic carrier operations, among other learning objectives.

"Nearly 150 students per year will train on the simulators," said Mark McGraw, vice president of Boeing Training Systems and Government Services. "This allows the Navy to add an array of virtual wingmen and synthetic threats, building a more robust mission rehearsal."

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 26, 2013 -- Boeing's [NYSE: BA] liquid hydrogen-powered Phantom Eye unmanned airborne system completed its second flight Feb. 25, demonstrating capabilities that will allow it to perform intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions for up to four days without refueling.

During the flight, at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., Phantom Eye climbed above an altitude of 8,000 feet and remained aloft for 66 minutes at a cruising speed of 62 knots before landing. The aircraft exceeded what it achieved last year during its first flight when it flew at an altitude of 4,080 feet and remained aloft for 28 minutes.

"Today’s combination of geopolitical and economic issues makes Phantom Eye's capabilities, affordability and flexibility very attractive to our global customers," said Darryl Davis, Boeing Phantom Works president. "No other system holds the promise of offering on-demand, persistent ISR and communications to any region in the world, rapidly responding to natural disasters and national security issues."

Boeing is self-funding development of the environmentally responsible Phantom Eye, which generates only water as a byproduct of its propulsion system.

Following the first flight, Boeing upgraded the aircraft's software and hardware, including the landing gear. The upgrades paid off in the form of a picture-perfect landing.

The Phantom Eye demonstrator is capable of carrying a 450-pound payload while operating for up to four days at altitudes of up to 65,000 feet.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $33 billion business with 59,433 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.
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EADS Pushing Harfang as MALE Gapfiller: EADS says it will push to remain the incumbent supplier of medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial systems in Europe, where efforts to develop a pan-European MALE vehicle remain in flux. Speaking to reporters in Berlin, EADS Chief Strategy & Marketing Officer Marwan Lahoud said development of a European MALE UAV is a long-term effort and that the company's Harfang UAV could serve as a gap-filler for European armed forces in the meantime. "The only fielded MALE in service coming from European manufacturers in a European armed force is our system," he said during an annual EADS press conference here. Harfang, based on the Israel Aerospace Industries Heron UAV, is currently in service with the French armed forces.

USAF Retires First Operational KC-135R Stratotanker: Airplane Headed To The 'Boneyard' After 50 Years Of Service After more than 50 years of service and 22,500 flying hours, the first operational KC-135R Stratotanker retired from service, Feb. 21, 2013. The aircraft made one last high-speed pass on the runway before heading to the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group, Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ, better known as the "Boneyard," where Air Force aircraft go to provide parts to satisfy critical supply needs without any major holds.

The Royal Saudi Air Force has formally inducted into service the Airbus Military A330 MRTT new generation tanker/transport aircraft. Deputy Minister of Defense Prince Khaled bin Sultan dedicated the aircraft at a ceremony at Riyadh Airbase on 25 February. The aircraft is the first of a batch of three that have now been contractually delivered. Deliveries of a second batch of three which were subsequently ordered will begin at the end of 2014. They will be used to refuel RSAF fighters including the F-15, Typhoon and Tornado. A330 MRTTs have now been delivered to all four current customers – Australia, Saudi Arabia, UAE and UK.

martes, 26 de febrero de 2013

The first A350 XWB – MSN001 – now showing its completed wings, has moved to its next phase of ground testing, from Roger Béteille A350 XWB FAL "Station 30" to the Clément Ader area "Station 18" in Toulouse. The aircraft is structurally complete and shows the installed winglets, belly fairing panels, main landing gear doors.

The aircraft has recently completed successfully a series of indoor ground tests as well as stability tests on 'movable' elements such as rudder, elevators, ailerons and wing spoilers and landing gears extraction/retraction. The next steps which will take place outdoors at the Station 18 ground test station will include three planned families of tests: Fuel tanks testing – including levels, flows, sealing and internal fuel transfer functions; pressure testing of the fuselage; and radio equipment testing.
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AVALON, Australia, Feb. 25, 2013 — Lockheed Martin has completed the 400thCommon Cockpit™ avionics suite for the U.S. Navy’s MH-60 Seahawk helicopter program. The digital cockpit will be installed aboard the first of 24 MH-60R (Romeo) anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare helicopters to be acquired by the Royal Australian Navy via the U.S. Government’s Foreign Military Sales program.

“The Common Cockpit avionics suite has proved to be a highly effective flight and mission systems hub during more than 600,000 flight hours aboard the U.S. Navy’s fleet of 360 MH-60R and MH-60S helicopters built and delivered to date,” said Capt. James Glass, program manager for H-60 Multi-Mission Helicopters. “A digital, all glass cockpit that’s common to both platforms and operationally proven will enable critical interoperability between MH-60 aircraft operated by both the Australian and U.S. navies.”

Australia is the first international customer to buy the U.S. Navy’s MH-60R multi-mission helicopter, which became operational in January 2006. The U.S. Navy is expected to take delivery of the first mission-ready MH-60R helicopter in December 2013 for transfer to the Royal Australian Navy in early 2014. All 24 Australian aircraft are to be delivered by mid 2016.

“The MH-60R is a proven capability with the Common Cockpit at its core,” said Capt Scott Lockey, who is the Project Director for the Australian MH-60R program. “The Australian acquisition of 24 multi-mission Romeo helicopters means that we will have the capacity to provide at least eight warships with a combat helicopter at the same time, and we can rely on the Common Cockpit to successfully network and communicate with our fleet.”

The Common Cockpit avionics suite features four large, flat-panel, multi-function, night-vision-compatible, color displays. The suite processes and manages communications and sensor data streaming into MH-60 multi-mission helicopters, presenting to the crew of three actionable information that significantly reduces workload while increasing situational awareness.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs about 120,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products, and services. The Corporation’s net sales for 2012 were $47.2 billion.

Munich, February 2013 – At EADS Innovation Works, the company's research centre, scientists are working on a system that can identify turbulences and gusts already before the aircraft flies into it. It is based on the LIDAR sensor principle. LIDAR stands for LIght Detection And Ranging – using light to discover obstacles and measure how far away they are. To this end, the LIDAR sensor designed by EADS Innovation Works radiates ultra-violet (UV) light pulses, typically at a rate of 60 per second, which are scattered by the nitrogen and oxygen molecules present in the air. In this way, a total of four rays measure the motion vector of the air 50 to 200 metres in front of the aircraft's nose.

Any turbulence that may be present alters the motion profile of the molecules and thus the signature received by the system. In future, the LIDAR could send data to the flight control system, which would then actuate the wing control surfaces to counteract the effect. "We will send the signals to the flight control computer so the aircraft can automatically react." says Dr. Nikolaus Schmitt of EADS Innovation Works. "What our LIDAR sees is at most a second ahead. That's long enough for a machine, but not for the human brain. But our measurement of the airflow at that distance in front of the aircraft is extremely accurate, so the aircraft really will be able to automatically react to a vertical or horizontal draft on the basis of our advance information".

This not only makes it possible to avoid sudden loss of height (clear air turbulences, so called "air pockets"). Equipped with such an early warning system, the aircraft would also be exposed to less stress, as air turbulence causes strong forces to act on the fuselage and the wings.

The system is currently still in the test phase, and Nikolaus Schmitt estimates that it might be ready for series production in about ten years' time. The LIDAR was successfully tested in flight on an Airbus A340. The researchers are now looking into the possibility of miniaturising the sensors and integrating them in the flight control system. Aircraft builders from Europe as well as the United States are interested in such technology. However, it is open to conjecture who will be the first to deploy the systemIn future the system might not only be used to measure air pockets, but also wake vortices (turbulences caused by aircraft). Thus, LIDAR could help to gauge the position and distance of planes from the wake vortices of aircraft taking off ahead of them. Aircraft typically maintain a prescribed distance from one another in order to avoid encountering the wake vortex produced by the aircraft in front. However, these distances are not based on real-time measurements and presently can vary from one airworthiness authority's jurisdiction to another. Like air pockets, vortices are invisible. LIDAR technology would make it possible to discern how far the vortices actually extend. This could enable the required safety spacing between take-offs and landings to be accurately determined in real time based on a common global standard.

Furthermore, at some airports this could allow the distances to be safely reduced, thus enabling an increase in air traffic frequency. The researchers at EADS Innovation Works are currently examining how the light pulses must be aligned in order to yield a full picture of the position of a wake vortex.

LIDAR technology could also be used to measure key data such as speed, temperature or air pressure and density during flight. Today these parameters are determined by various mechanical methods. Optical data acquisition would provide an additional measuring technique, providing greater safety through additional systems redundancy. Moreover, particles in the air, such as volcanic ash, could be identified and their concentration determined, enabling safe operation in low ash concentration areas in case of volcanic explosions.

FL Technics, a global provider of integrated aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul services, and Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company (SCAC), the Russian civil aviation manufacturer and the developer of the Sukhoi Superjet 100 project, along with SuperJet International, a joint venture between Alenia Aermacchi, a Finmeccanica Company, (51%) and Sukhoi Holding (49%), managing SSJ100 sales and support in the Western markets, earlier today have announced about the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding (M.o.U) for Sukhoi Superjet 100 technical support in Europe and Asia.

According to the agreement FL Technics will become a partner of the SuperJet International Airframe Authorized Service Centers Network and will provide SSJ100 operators with line and base airframe maintenance services. In the nearest future FL Technics will be dedicated to provide line maintenance support to SSJ100 operators located in the South-East Asia.

"We are proud to become a part of the SuperJet International' Network of dedicated MRO providers. Sharing our experience and supporting the newest SSJ100 aircraft fleet is an important step in our company's development, particularly in the Asian region. We are positive that the latest agreement will result in a long-term and mutually beneficial partnership among FL Tehcnics, SuperJet International and SSJ100 aircraft operators from around the world," – said Jonas Butautis, the CEO of FL Technics.

"This is a significant milestone in the establishment of the SuperJet International MRO network. The cooperation with FL Technics will ensure world-class and cost-efficient support to the SSJ100 operators in Eastern Europe and South-East Asia - said Giovanni Simonetti, Senior Vice President of Customer Services with SuperJet International – this agreement confirms SuperJet International's comittment in providing SSJ100 worlwide customers with a first-class and full spectrum of after-sales services " added Simonetti.

"We recognize that a prompt and comprehensive aftermarket support is a major task for the success of the SSJ100 program and for Customers' satisfaction. This agreement between FL Technics, SCAC and SuperJet International will allow to maximize maintenance efficiency and ensure high-quality servises through the SuperJet International's MRO network" commented Andrey Nedosekin, SCAC Vice-President on After-Sales Support.

SSJ100 operators can rely on the SuperJet International MRO network for first class line and base on-wing maintenance services. SJI network is built on partnerships with well recognized MRO providers worldwide.

About Sukhoi Superjet 100:

The Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ100) is a state-of-the-art 100-seat new generation jet. Designed, developed and built by Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company (SCAC), a Sukhoi and Alenia Aermacchi company. On May 19th 2008 SSJ100 successfully accomplished its first flight. The Sukhoi Superjet 100 cruises at a Maximum Operating Speed of Mach 0.81 and 40,000 feet. It takes off from a 1,731 meters runway in the basic range and 2,052 meters in the long range. The operating range for the basic version is 3,048 km and 4,578 km for the long range version. In January 2011, the SSJ100 obtained the Type Certificate by the Russian Certification Authority IAC AR. In February 2012, the SSJ100 achieved the EASA Type Certificate.

About Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company:

The Company's shareholders are the Sukhoi Holding owing 75% – 1 share and the Italian Alenia Aermacchi, a Finmeccanica Company, holding 25% + 1 share since April 7, 2009. Sukhoi Civil Aircraft was founded in 2000 to develop new regional aircraft projects. SCAC is in charge of the aircraft production. The company is also responsible for SSJ100 sales in Russia, the CIS, China, India, Middle East and Southeast Asia. Headquartered in Moscow, SCAC has several production branches seated in Russian cities of Komsomolsk-on-Amur, Novosibirsk and Voronezh. Sukhoi Superjet 100 is the Company's major project.

About SuperJet International:

SuperJet International, a joint venture between Alenia Aermacchi (51%) and Sukhoi Holding (49%), is in charge of marketing, sales, customization and delivery of the Sukhoi Superjet 100 regional jet in Europe, the Americas, Oceania, Africa and Japan. The Company is also responsible for the training and worldwide after-sales support, as well as the design and development of VIP and cargo variants. A SuperJet International branch is active in Moscow, together with a sales office in Washington, DC, USA.

About FL Technics:

FL Technics is a global provider of tailor-made solutions for aircraft maintenance and repair. Company specializes in base and line maintenance, full aircraft engineering, engine management, spare parts and components support, logistics and distribution, technical training and consulting services, landing gear overhaul, delivery and redelivery support.

FL Technics acts as one-stop-shop maintenance solutions' provider for Commercial and Business aviation, serving customers from Europe, the CIS and Asia-Pacific. With offices in Lithuania, Russia, the United Kingdom, Poland, Italy and Malaysia, the company provides services in base maintenance facility in Lithuania, as well as a combined network of 32 Line Stations across Europe, the CIS and Asia-Pacific. FL Technics is an EASA Part-145, Part-M, Part-147, Part-21 certified company, as well as a Boeing GoldCare Program partner, with certificate approvals in Russia, Bermuda and other countries.

The next-generation Eurocopter EC175, which sets new standards in the medium-sized twin-engine helicopter market segment, is starting an international demonstration tour that enables operators to experience first-hand its exceptional performance, flight characteristics and operational flexibility.

This tour uses Eurocopter's no. 1 series production EC175 – which is configured for oil and gas operations – and kicks off with a two-week U.S. visit starting today at New Iberia, Louisiana in the U.S. Gulf Coast region. It is the first of multiple stopovers across the country through March 15 that enables the helicopter's evaluation by companies specialized in passenger transport and supply missions for the off-shore oil and gas industry. These visits will underscore Eurocopter's development of the EC175 through extensive consultation with operators and end-users, ensuring their needs and requirements were incorporated into the design at an early stage – resulting in an optimized rotary-wing aircraft with the latest state-of-the-art technology.

Included on the EC175's U.S. demonstration circuit is a March 5-7 appearance at the Heli-Expo helicopter industry convention in Las Vegas, where the helicopter will be shown on Eurocopter's exhibit stand (Booth #C2922). Follow-on segments of the demonstration tour are planned later this year, bringing the EC175 to several additional regions in the world.

EC175 US DEMO TOUR

During these stopovers, the operators' field visits will include flights with pilots and passengers, accompanied by presentations on topics that range from operations and performance to Eurocopter's innovative support and services available for the EC175.

"This remarkable aircraft is living up to its promise, confirming the full capabilities in range, cruise speed and payload lift – all with high comfort levels for passengers and the most interior volume, along with the latest in avionics for pilots," said Eurocopter President & CEO Lutz Bertling.

Bertling added that Eurocopter's process of early consultation and analysis with the user community – combined with the latest-generation computer-aided design and virtual simulation mock-up – has established its EC175 as the medium-twin helicopter category's reference.

"The result is the best-performing, easiest-to-fly, and most cost-effective helicopter in the medium-sized category," he stated. "We also have undertaken unprecedented actions in optimizing aircraft maturity and ensuring a successful entry in service for the EC175, which is supported by a dedicated task force and tools that include validated support and services deliverables, along with the establishment of training capabilities." Contributing to the EC175's competitive edge is its recommended cruise speed of 150 kts. (10 kts. faster than the previous figure, without affecting payload range), while the maximum cruise speed exceeds 165 kts. – all achieved at extremely low vibration levels.

The helicopter's range provides the reach needed by off-shore service providers and other operators, transporting 16 passengers in an oil and gas-configured EC175 to distances of 140 naut. mi., with the range approaching 200 naut. mi. when 12 passengers are carried.

The EC175 also has validated its excellent power performance, including hover out of ground effect (HOGE) at maximum 7.5-metric-ton take-off weight at 4,500 ft. at ISA+20°C conditions; excellent one engine inoperative (OEI) hover performance, which ensures safety during hoisting for search and rescue missions; extensive power reserve and heli-deck performance (PC1) at maximum take-off weight in ISA+20°C conditions.

The highest levels of mission flexibility and safety are provided by the EC175's new Helionix avionics, which extends the undisputed superiority of in-flight envelope protection, pilot assistance and situational awareness that have been proven on Eurocopter's EC225 helicopter. Meeting the latest international avionics standards, the Helionix avionics suite incorporates the most innovative alerting and self-monitoring system.

With designed-in attributes that meet the full range of operating conditions – combined with its speed and range – the EC175 is the best choice to address all missions, including search and rescue, emergency medical services, public services, VIP and executive transport.

About Eurocopter (www.eurocopter.com) Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace and defense-related services.The Eurocopter Group employs approximately 22,000 people. In 2012, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world's No. 1 helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 6.3 billion Euros, orders for 469 new helicopters and a 38 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group's helicopters account for 33 percent of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. Eurocopter's strong international presence is ensured by its subsidiaries and participations in 21 countries. Eurocopter's worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents supports some 2,900 customers. There are currently more than 11,780 Eurocopter helicopters in service in 148 countries. Eurocopter offers the most comprehensive civil and military helicopter range in the world and is fully committed to safety as the most important aspect of its business.
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The latest members of Eurocopter's helicopter family – including its new EC175, the enhanced EC145 T2 and AS350 B3e – are coming to Las Vegas for Heli-Expo 2013, where the company also is demonstrating its expanded services offer.

"At Heli-Expo 2013, Eurocopter will highlight how we are meeting our vision of transitioning from an industry-leading helicopter manufacturer to the no. 1 vertical lift mission solutions provider," said President & CEO Lutz Bertling. "We will achieve this vision through the evolution of our current product line, the introduction of a next-generation rotorcraft family and in particular the expansion of innovative services offerings, thus delivering an unrivalled mission capability to our customers."

On Heli-Expo's opening day, Eurocopter will unveil another new addition to its evolved product line in the light-twin engine category.

Also heading the product line-up at Heli-Expo will be Eurocopter's next-generation EC175 medium-sized twin-engine rotorcraft, whose unrivalled performance recently was confirmed during flight testing with the first production helicopter. This EC175 will be displayed in the oil and gas configuration on Eurocopter's exhibit (Stand #C2922), providing a stopover on a two-week U.S. visit that kicks off its global demonstration tour.

Showcased as well at Las Vegas is the enhanced twin-engine version of Eurocopter's EC145 – the EC145 T2, to be presented in an emergency medical services customization. EC145 T2 deliveries are to begin this year, integrating such technologies as the Fenestron tail rotor, advanced cockpit design, modern avionics and 4-axis autopilot.

Joining the company's display at Las Vegas will be the single-engine AS350 B3e evolved member of Eurocopter's Ecureuil family, powered by a Turbomeca Arriel 2D turboshaft engine with a new-generation digital FADEC, and an engine data recorder for condition monitoring.

Completing the helicopter line-up on Eurocopter's exhibit stand is an EC225 Super Puma in the oil and gas configuration.

Represented in model form with an accompanying video is the Eurocopter X3, whose full-scale demonstrator has validated its capabilities as a highly productive hybrid aircraft – offering the speed of a turboprop-powered aircraft and the full hover flight capabilities of a helicopter, as demonstrated during its U.S. tour in 2012.

Eurocopter's strategy to become the reference in customer support and services is to be highlighted at Heli-Expo with examples from its existing range of services, including demonstrations of the company's Keycopter on-line customer services portal; along with future tools such as "e-TechPub" – a new generation of interactive electronic technical publications, and PC2-DLE – an application designed to help operators computing weight or exposure time for takeoff and landing.

Exhibited as well at Heli-Expo 2013 will be Eurocopter's Helionix avionics suite, which brings together such features as LED (light-emitting diode) displays, an innovative crew alerting concept with an on-demand vehicle monitoring system, a 4-axis dual-duplex automatic flight control system, and enhanced situational awareness.

Rounding out the company's exhibit stand presence is a virtual configurator that realistically renders Eurocopter's helicopter family members in a 3D representation with multiple options and paint schemes. The configurator provides internal and external views from various angles, and presents the 3D visualization on a large showroom screen.

Also, an EC130 T2 will be flying in the Las Vegas sky during Heli-Expo 2013. This popular member of Eurocopter's lightweight single-engine product line – which incorporates changes to approximately 70 percent of the helicopter's airframe structure – was introduced at last year's Heli-Expo event, and is now in operational service.

Follow all of Eurocopter's activities at this major helicopter industry gathering, including its daily announcements and feature stories, by visiting the dedicated Heli-Expo 2013 website atevents.eurocopter.com (#EXPO13 on social networks)

About Eurocopter (www.eurocopter.com) Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace and defense-related services.The Eurocopter Group employs approximately 22,000 people. In 2012, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world's No. 1 helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 6.3 billion Euros, orders for 469 new helicopters and a 38 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group's helicopters account for 33 percent of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. Eurocopter's strong international presence is ensured by its subsidiaries and participations in 21 countries. Eurocopter's worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents supports some 2,900 customers. There are currently more than 11,780 Eurocopter helicopters in service in 148 countries. Eurocopter offers the most comprehensive civil and military helicopter range in the world and is fully committed to safety as the most important aspect of its business.
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The new Full Flight Simulator (FFS) for training on the SSJ100 aircraft, installed at the SuperJet International (SJI) Training Center in Venice (Italy), has been successfully certified by EASA and it is now Ready For Training with the registration number IT-069.

This SSJ100 FFS is the first simulator for a Russian civil aircraft that achieved the certification by the European Aviation Safety Agency EASA.

This certification is closing the STD (Synthetic Training Device) Evaluation Team (SET) process for the development of the device, which has seen the joint participation of EASA, the training provider SuperJet International, the aircraft manufacturer Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company and the simulator manufacturer L3.

This simulator, which arrived in Venice for installation last December, was submitted to an extensive phase of on-site testing and finally to the approval of the EASA SET, which has confirmed the compliance of the device with the level D certification's requirements, in accordance with EASA-FSTD A.

The FFS will provide SSJ100 Customers with Type Rating courses as well as recurrent training. Interjet pilots will be the first to start training in Venice on the new simulator at the end of February. 6 pilots and 4 technicians have already started the ground course managed by SuperJet International's instructors.

The first Interjet B1/B2 maintenance type training course is also underway involving 15 engineers, as 7 cabin attendant's training will start soon with the auxiliary of the CEET installed in Venice.

The SSJ100 simulator "Reality 7", produced by L3 Communications, replicates the aircraft cockpit with state-of-the-art visual and motion system, enabling pilots to achieve the SSJ100 Type Rating training without using the real aircraft.

"We are very proud of this milestone. The new FFS will immediately permit the Mexican carrier's pilots to start their training in Venice - states Nazario Cauceglia, Chief Executive Officer of SuperJet International – while completion activities are in progress to deliver the first aircraft to Interjet in spring".

SJI has established a Training Center consisting of two facilities based in Venice and Moscow. Both of them are equipped with the same training devices and tools, allowing high quality training services in compliance with safety regulations.

Up to end of January 2013 140 pilots, 82 cabin attendants and more than 530 technicians completed successfully the courses currently delivered both in Venice and Moscow SJI Training Centers.

A Sukhoi Superjet 100 failed to take off from Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport after one of its engines malfunctioned, Interfax reported, further clouding the future of Russia's first post-Soviet civil aircraft project.

The Superjet programme hit uncertainty last year after one plane crashed in Indonesia during a promotional flight, which investigators said was due to pilot error and Jakarta air traffic control's lack of a minimum safe altitude system.

Russia's Aeroflot, the only airline operating the aircraft so far, also grounded four of its 10 Superjets earlier this month due to technical problems.

British pilot Jeremy Rowsell is set to fly solo from Sydney to London in a Cessna 182 aircraft powered solely by diesel derived from "end-of-life" plastic (ELP) waste. If all goes to plan, the endeavor will set a new record time for the journey in a single-engine piston plane, and represent a compelling argument for the viability of ELP as a fuel source.
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Continue Reading Recycled plastic waste to fuel Sydney to London Cessna flight

Boeing 787 launch customer All Nippon Airways (ANA) said it is operating under the assumption the Dreamliner will be grounded through the end of May.

ANA issued a revised schedule on Monday that includes the suspension of a number of routes through May 31 owing to the unavailability of the 787. These include Tokyo Narita-Seattle, Narita-San Jose, Kansai-Seoul and Nagoya-Seoul.

“Additionally, on some limited days, the [Tokyo] Haneda-Frankfurt route will be affected by cancellations and/or aircraft type changes,” ANA said.

Japanese regulators have identified the reasons for the fuel leaks and other problems that occurred on Japan Airlines' (JAL) 787 Dreamliner jets in January but are still investigating battery problems that caused worldwide grounding of the aircraft.

Japan's Transport Ministry concluded that the fuel leak which occured on 9 January, prior to the takeoff of JAL 787 in Boston, was due to a foreign material 1.5mm big that was stuck to fuel valves and caused them to remain partially open.

In addition, a fuel leak on the same aircraft at Tokyo's Narita airport, on 13 January, was caused by an improperly applied electrical-insulating coating material.

lunes, 25 de febrero de 2013

Apparently, balancing a pole on top of a flying quadrocopter robot wasn't challenging enough for the researchers at ETH Zurich's Institute for Dynamic Systems and Control. Their latest project has two quadrocopters playing catch with a precariously balanced pole – the first robot launches the pole into the air, while the second robot deftly moves into position in less than a second to catch it as it falls. The incredible precision flying achieved by the team can be seen in a video after the break...
Continue Reading Quadrocopters throw, catch, and balance an inverted pendulum

"Acalis provides security-on-a-chip that can help defend the manned and unmanned aircraft we build at Boeing today and in the future for customers around the world," said Chris Chadwick, president of Boeing Military Aircraft. "With these processors onboard, warfighters can complete their missions and not be sidelined by malware, cloning and other cyber threats against the aircraft's systems."

Acalis will be integrated into Boeing Military Aircraft's Global Strike division. The Acalis business employs approximately 40 people and is based in Pleasanton, Calif.

CPU Technology was privately held and the terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $33 billion business with 60,000 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.

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Forward-Looking Information Is Subject to Risk and Uncertainty

Certain statements in this release may be "forward-looking" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding benefits and synergies of the transaction, as well as any other statement that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact. Forward-looking statements are based on current assumptions about future events that may not prove to be accurate. These statements are not guarantees and are subject to risks, uncertainties and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Many factors could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements. As a result, these statements speak only as of the date they are made and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, except as required by law. Specific factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include the effect of global economic conditions, our ability to successfully integrate CPU Tech’s business and realize anticipated synergies, and other important factors disclosed previously and from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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Companies will work with Chinese researchers to forecast 30-year airspace capacity, new opportunities for efficiency

Collaborative effort will support growth in commercial aviation

BEIJING, Feb. 25, 2013 – Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) announced today that the Boeing-COMAC Aviation Energy Conservation and Emissions Reductions Technology Center will conduct two new research projects on air traffic management to support the long-term efficiency, capacity and safety of China’s air traffic system.

“Combining our two companies’ efforts on air traffic management through our Joint Technology Center is a natural step forward in our steadily expanding collaboration,” said Marc Allen, president of Boeing China.

The Boeing-COMAC Technology Center, the companies’ collaborative effort to support commercial aviation industry growth, will work with Civil Aviation University of China (CAUC) to forecast the 30-year capacity of China’s national airspace system. This research will develop evaluation tools to predict trends of future airspace development and provide recommendations for improving the national airspace system. CAUC is administered by the Civil Aviation Administration of China and hosts the National Key Laboratory of Operation Safety Technology.

“With the increasing demand for air transport and growing environmental concerns, air traffic management plays a key role in the healthy growth of air transport capability,” said Dr. Guangqiu Wang, vice president of COMAC’s Beijing Aeronautical Science and Technology Research Institute (BASTRI). “It is our great pleasure to cooperate with Boeing to work on air traffic management initiatives for greater energy efficiency and emission reduction.”

The Boeing-COMAC Technology Center will also work with Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, which hosts the National Key Laboratory of Air Traffic Flow Management Technology, on development of an air traffic decision support system to optimize in-bound air traffic flow at airports. Successful outcomes from this project will help air traffic controllers determine the most efficient arrival sequences and enhance flight safety by providing better situational awareness.

“We are very pleased to work with COMAC to support the long-term efficiency of China’s commercial aviation system and reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Dr. Dong Yang Wu, vice president of Boeing Research & Technology - China. “The Boeing-COMAC Technology Center continues to partner with wop’rld-class research capabilities in China to support commercial aviation’s growth while reducing its environmental footprint.”

The Boeing-COMAC Technology Center previously announced research to identify contaminants in waste cooking oil, which is sometimes called “gutter oil” in China, and processes that may treat and clean it for use as jet fuel. Funded by both companies and located in COMAC’s BASTRI, the Boeing-COMAC Technology Center is working with China-based universities and research institutions to expand knowledge in areas such as sustainable aviation biofuels and air traffic management that improve commercial aviation’s efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.

China is one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets. The Civil Aviation Administration of China has reported that passenger traffic reached 319 million in 2012 and forecasts that it will reach 1.5 billion passengers in 2030. Boeing has estimated that Chinese airlines will need to buy 5,260 new commercial airplanes by 2031 to meet this extraordinary demand.

About COMAC

The Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. (COMAC) is a state-owned company, which is formed with the approval of the State Council and jointly invested by the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) of the State Council, Shanghai Guosheng (Group) Co., Ltd., Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), China Aluminum Corporation (CHINALCO), Baosteel Group, and Sinochem Group. COMAC was held on May 11th, 2008. COMAC is headquartered in Shanghai. Mr Jin Zhuanglong serves as Chairman of the Board, and Mr He Dongfeng as President.

COMAC functions as the main vehicle in implementing large passenger aircraft programs in China. It is also mandated with the overall planning of developing trunk liner and regional jet programs and realizing the industrialization of civil aircraft in China. COMAC is engaged in the research, manufacture and flight tests of civil aircraft and related businesses such as marketing, servicing, leasing and operations of civil aircraft. The company has six member organizations: Shanghai Aircraft Design and Research Institute (SADRI), Shanghai Aircraft Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (SAMC), Shanghai Aircraft Customer Service Co., Ltd., Beijing Aeronautical Science and Technology Research Institute (BASTRI)., COMAC Flight Test Center (CFTC), Shanghai Aviation Industrial (Group) Co., Ltd. (SAIGC) and Shanghai Commercial Aircraft Magazine Co., Ltd.

COMAC adopts a "major manufacturer-suppliers" model, focusing on aircraft design, final assembly and manufacture of aircraft, marketing and customer service, and acquisition of certification. COMAC adheres to the principle of "developing with Chinese characteristics and representing the technical progress" and makes self-reliant advancement in the process of marketing, integration, localization and globalization. The company endeavors to manufacture large passenger aircraft that are safe, economical, comfortable and environmentally friendly. COMAC is determined to independently build large Chinese passenger aircraft that will soon be soaring through the blue skies.

About Boeing

Boeing is the world's largest aerospace company and leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners and defense, space and security systems. A top U.S. exporter, the company supports airlines and U.S. and allied government customers in 150 countries. Boeing products and tailored services include commercial and military aircraft, satellites, weapons, electronic and defense systems, launch systems, advanced information and communication systems, and performance-based logistics and training. For more information about Boeing please visit www.boeing.com.

Boeing is currently celebrating the 40th anniversary of its partnership with China’s aviation industry.Boeing is the single largest purchaser of made-in-China aviation parts, committing hundreds of millions of dollars annually to dozens of suppliers. Today, some 6,000 Boeing airplanes fly throughout the world with integrated China-built parts and assemblies.
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Asia-Pacific airlines will lead global demand for larger and more eco-efficient aircraft types over the next 20 years, according to the latest market forecast for the region by Airbus. The forecast was presented today in Singapore by John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer, Customers, Airbus.

Altogether, airlines from the region will take delivery of around 9,870 new passenger and cargo aircraft during the forecast period, valued at US$1.6 trillion. This represents 35 per cent of all new aircraft deliveries worldwide over the next 20 years, ahead of Europe and North America. In terms of value, the region will account for 40 per cent of the global market for new airliners, reflecting the higher proportion of widebody aircraft required by Asia-Pacific carriers.

In the passenger market, the fleet of aircraft operated by Asia-Pacific carriers is expected to more than double in the next 20 years, from 4,300 aircraft today to a total of 10,440 jets, based on higher than average annual traffic growth of 5.8 per cent and replacement of nearly 3,500 aircraft in service today.

Reflecting the high levels of urbanisation in the Asia-Pacific region, traffic will continue to be concentrated around a growing number of major cities, with larger aircraft providing the most efficient means of meeting demand while overcoming airport constraints. As a result, Airbus predicts that carriers in the region will acquire some 3,840 widebody aircraft over the next 20 years, accounting for 44 per cent of worldwide demand in the larger aircraft categories.

The widebody deliveries to the region will include 3,080 twin-aisle aircraft, such as the A330 and all-new A350 XWB, and around 760 very large aircraft with over 400 seats, such as the A380, for the busiest routes. At the top end of the market, the region will lead global demand for airliners such as the A380, accounting for 45 per cent of deliveries in this size category.

In addition to long haul services, carriers in the region will continue to operate large numbers of mid-size widebodies on regional services, with more routes being served in the future by aircraft carrying more than 400 passengers.

While Asia-Pacific carriers will lead demand in the larger aircraft segments, the latest Airbus forecast also sees the number of single aisle aircraft in the region accelerating in the coming years.

This will be largely driven by the ongoing growth in the low cost sector, which has increased by seven per cent annually for the last ten years. This growth, plus replacement cycles, will generate demand for some 6,030 new single aisle aircraft in the region, such as the best-selling A320 Family.

As with the widebody market, the average seating capacity of single aisle aircraft in the region will also grow, with a significant move towards the larger models offered by the various manufacturers and higher seating configurations.

In the cargo sector, the region will continue to dominate the global market. According to the new forecast, the dedicated freighter fleet operated by Asia-Pacific airlines will grow from 316 today to some 887, representing 30 per cent of the global freighter fleet. While many of the aircraft will be converted from passenger models, Airbus predicts that around 251 new production freighters will be delivered to the region over the next two decades. As in other world regions, around 30 per cent of the freighters will be in the 45 – 70 tonne category served by mid-size widebody aircraft, such as the A330.

“The Asia-Pacific market is where the action will be in the air transport market over the next 20 years,” said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “Growing economies, bigger cities and increasing wealth will see more people flying, driving the need for larger and more efficient aircraft.”

“Airbus will be uniquely placed to meet demand from airlines in the region with the most modern, efficient and comprehensive product line, ranging from 100 to over 500 seats and catering to every market segment.”

The Asia-Pacific region is a core market for Airbus, accounting for 31 per cent of all orders recorded by the company to date. Today, there are more than 2,100 Airbus aircraft in service with 97 operators across the region, with another 1,800 on order with customers for future delivery. This represents over a third of the company's total backlog, reflecting the importance of the region as the fastest growing market for new civil aircraft.

Airbus' forecast for the Asia-Pacific region is derived from the company's Global Market Forecast, which foresees a need for some 28,200 passenger and freighter aircraft valued at nearly US$4.0 trillion over the next 20 years. In the various size categories the forecast predicts total demand for 1,710 very large aircraft, 6,970 twin aisle widebodies and 19,520 single aisle aircraft.

The Airbus product line comprises the best-selling A320 Family in the single aisle market, the popular A330 and all-new A350 XWB in the mid-size widebody category and the flagship A380 in the very large aircraft segment. In the freight market Airbus currently offers the new-build A330-200F and the A330 Passenger-to-Freighter (A330P2F) programme.

domingo, 24 de febrero de 2013

Earlier this month, we reported on the PowerUp 3.0 – a US$50 kit that lets you control a powered paper airplane via your smartphone. At the time, we were still waiting to hear back from its designer, regarding how a simple add-on motorized propeller could be used to actually steer the plane. Now we know.
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Continue Reading PowerUp 3.0 – here's how it works

While most of us sit around grumbling and demanding to know, “where’s my jetpack?", German Fritz Unger and a group of friends have decided to do something about it. On a shoestring budget they are building their own one-man, jet-propelled wing. Dubbed “Skyflash,” it’s meant to not only emulate the jet wing made famous by Jetman Yves Rossy, but to go one better by taking off from the ground instead of having to be dropped from an aircraft...
Continue Reading Skyflash: Jetman-like wings designed to allow ground take off